False Christian teachings, trends….
This post contains C H Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening thoughts for May 3rd. Spurgeon’s morning verse is, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” — John_16:33; via this verse, he talks about the furnace of affliction that is necessary to conform the believer into the image of Christ. His evening verse is, “A very present help” — Psalm_46:1. His focus is on encouraging believers to appropriate covenant graces to aid in their struggles.
Pastor Stewart’s sermon is on the following text, which he called the most meaningful in the entire Bible regarding practical living of the Christian life; he made the lesson Christ taught His apostles clear for us: Matthew 14:30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. [Sermon highlights are provided]
Again, when I went to my E-sword pc Bible program, the following devotional opened before me and I read it to my blessing. Both messages are great; but the second one speaks specific encouragement for times such as this: I posted earlier today, a video about the globalist agenda, how the one-world order is crystallizing before our eyes. The second message below is comforting in light of these developments; it is also comforting for all conditions a believer might experience: cancer, Covid19….
My last three posts are about events that are presently unfolding in our society; the two posts on Curtis Bowers’ Agenda Weekly, touched on the topic of the Nashville shooting by identifying underlying factors. This post explains the “antitheses” more specifically, using Psalm 9. An overview and some discussion points are precede his podcast.
Two men had pursued a life of crime; they were angry with God, and now they stood on the brink of eternity. Pastor Colin talks about how something changed in one man’s soul, and he cried out to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Discover the stunning words Jesus said to this man. [This 2-part sermon gives very clear teaching about how one is saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. Those Christians who fear they will never be sufficiently good to enter into heaven will be greatly uplifted by the contents of this sermon, particularly, Roman Catholics. But I know many Christians, including myself, who wrongly think that our own performance has something to do with entering into heaven. Sermon points are included for part 1
…There was a very clear and cogent lesson from an otherwise confusing chapter: the end will come. Have you ever wondered why the Bible speaks of the last days so often? By one count, nearly 150 chapters in the Bible deal with the end times in some fashion or another. …First, knowing that an end is coming enforces the proper priorities. …Second, knowing that an end is coming encourages a personal piety. …Third, knowing that an end is coming engenders a profound peace.
The Scriptures do not tout our ability to know God but rather God’s ability to reveal Himself to the creatures He has made. Jesus declares, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matt. 11:25–26). …the agnostic’s claim that we cannot know God even if He exists rests on a claim that is not humble at all, for he proudly asserts what God cannot do (reveal Himself to His creatures)….
There are two 4-minute devotionals in this post by Rev. John Newton; each, talks about a different aspect of the believer’s helplessness apart from the upholding loving care of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am posting them because in my own life I have seen that it is very difficult to walk with the Lord by faith instead of my own fleshly strength; I believe that many other Christians also struggle with this condition. I am sure that the Holy Spirit has revealed this to me in all of my failings. Have you seen this problem in your own walk? If not, then these devotionals may provide a few necessary clues….
Brooks identified 8 devices of Satan to keep saints sad and doubting…. These 8 are below, with only a few ‘remedies.’ He supplied a minimum of 4 remedies with each device, but those were not pasted in to keep the post at an acceptable length. Links to the Kindle and book versions of Brooks’ work are linked; as is a 10-part audio-book reading of his book.
The following are the 12 DEVICES that Satan uses to draw the soul to sin. I included no REMEDIES that Brooks noted in his book, but wanted readers to know these such that they might be moved to read his book. Usually, Brooks provided 4 – 8 remedies about each device, in a few cases, more. Also, part of the table of contents is herein: Satan’s DEVICES to keep souls from holy duties; DEVICES to keep saints in sad condition; DEVICES to destroy and ensnare; Five more of Satan’s DEVICES; Seven characteristics of false teachers; Six propositions concerning Satan and his devices; and, Conclusion: ten special helps and rules